I began this blog in November 2008. I thought I'd end it after my husband’s death – June 15, 2010 – but my life with Abe continues …

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate..

Greenwood’s Dec. 13th Alzheimer’s Cafe at Mae’s in Phinney Ridge

by Esther Altshul HelfgottThe concept of an Alzheimer’s cafe where caregivers and spouses, or caregivers and other family members, can shoot the breeze didn’t exist for me and Abe; but it exists now, and I hope you’ll take advantage of it.

Socialization is critical to the Alzheimer’s family, and the Alzheimer’s cafe can make a huge difference, especially in an Alzheimer’s couple’s life. (An Alzheimer’s couple is any two people intimately sharing the Alzheimer’s experience – mother/son; father/daughter; brother/sister; uncle/niece).

Sitting around a table, chatting, and getting to know people who will no doubt become your friends or close acquaintances, will enhance your day. I wish this would have been available years ago. It might have decreased the isolation and loneliness I felt as the sole person responsible for my husband’s care.

The Alzheimer Café is created and run by the Greenwood Senior Center, a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association. It’s held at Mae’s Phinney RidgeCafé, 6412 Phinney Avenue N., on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:30 – 5:00 PM.

Greenwood Senior Center Social Worker, Carin Mack, says: It seems like each week there is a little bit of magic that occurs. Last month, a woman that has become much more withdrawn came for the first time. It was as if she regained her voice and poise. She went from table to table to chat with people and was the hostess of the afternoon. There is a camaraderie and sense of comfort that is present each time they meet.

No reservations are necessary and the only cost is your dessert and/or drink. There is neighborhood parking available and a lot at the Phinney Neighborhood Center just north of the café at the corner of 67th and Phinney. For further information call Carin Mack, at 206-297-0875.

Abe and I ate at Mae’s Cafe in Phinney Ridge many times but never with a community of Alzheimer’s caregivers and their Loved Ones. Enjoy.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate..